Have you gone to counselling with her? I know it sounds crazy for one so young.. But if you go to someone who is primarily into behavior modification for children, it can help. The way it was described to me was that it's not so much that a child "remembers" situations, details, etc ...but they do "remember" instability, fear, insecurity..and even anger... and they counsellor can help everyone who is a caregiver for the child help her to find ways to cope with that.
The hard part will be when your sister gets out. Poor little girl probably doesnt trust or believe in her own mommy...and that will make it hard for mom. Most addicts have not been clear headed enough to have a "real picture" of parenthood in their heads and need help understanding that its not all love and hugs.. It's snot, pulled teeth, vomit, whining, teaching, repeating yourself...etc..
I wish you luck and let us know how she is doing.
Bren
__________________ Two kids, two dogs, a cat and a fish and that's IT!  |